[Mark’s] system starts by adding outriggers to a kayak to prevent the possibility of the boat rolling over in the water. Each pontoon has an electric trolling motor attached to it that is controlled by an Arduino via a motor driver.

The Arduino takes navigational commands from a sip & puff controller. A straw in the operator’s mouth allows them to sip or puff for a split second to turn left or right. Longer sips or puffs control forward and reverse incrementally, up to a top speed of about 3.7 miles per hour. [Mark] incorporated an auxiliary remote control interface so that a safety observer can take control of navigation if necessary.

His build came in around $1300, a tiny cost if this makes kayaking available to several people each summer. Great job [Mark]!

Though one small criticism.. If I were a quadriplegic, I think the last place I’d like to be was in a kayak. Perhaps use something a bit bigger and sturdier, like a Steadyboat (those just can’t be tipped over).

This is very creative, and I appreciate the intent behind Mr. Theobald’s design. I cannot, however, help but wonder about the safety of a quadriplegic person alone in a boat. I see that the design mitigates the risk of capsizing. What about the person falling out of the boat? Is this really safe?

I’d be curious to see what sort of real world adjustments would be required for this(such as a modified chair with back and arm support, to keep from falling out as @Robert mentioned). I’d say the risk of capsizing has been pretty well addressed. Also, a passenger seat would be nice.

This looks like a great set up. I can see this being used for various individuals. A Tandem boat might be better when working with a person who is quad, but still if a saftey boater is in place this will work if a only a single is available. As suggested, seat modifications may be needed depending on the individual. Great Work!

Mark has dealt with many of the issues that have been brought up, if you poke around his website a little more you’ll find designs for custom seats which provide support for quads. Safety is a top priority as well – there’s always a group of kayakers including safety paddlers. They stick to flat water for obvious reasons. The outriggers on this design provide an incredible amount of stability. Also, I’m sure most quads are willing to take on a small amount of risk when the payoff is a great deal of enjoyment and freedom – just like you or I might in any number of sports.

I think it’s excellent when engineers think outside the box and apply their skills to developing items for the less abled. Just because someone might not be fully mobile, doesn’t mean they don’t have a sense of adventure. Congratulations and kudos to the kayak’s designer for making it possible…

It’s generally pretty difficult to flip a SOT (sit-on-top) kayak like the Ocean Kayak shown in this story. Many people use SOT as a platform to fish or dive off of. Having said that it is still tricky to help a quadriplegic person back on the boat, that’s for sure.